Contributing to the world
Smiths businesses contribute towards making the world safer and greener through their products and services. From medical equipment and supplies to solar-powered water pumping systems for gas wells, Smiths is there.
Smiths Medical: EDGE™ Safety Hypodermic Syringes
More than 600,000 US healthcare workers each year report needlestick and sharps injuries, which can spread potentially fatal blood-borne infectious diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. In the UK, an ongoing Royal College of Nursing study has shown that around 100,000 NHS workers suffer needlestick injuries each year. Unlike standard needles, Smiths Medical's EDGE™ range of safety hypodermic syringes features a protective safety guard to cover the sharp end of the needle, helping prevent injuries and infection. As evidence of the importance of needle safety, the US Department of Health and Human Services has selected Smiths Medical to supply millions of EDGE™ needles to support the US Government's efforts to prevent the spread of H1N1 flu.
Flex-Tek: EverClean™ Ducting
As part of the Flexible Technologies Group, Thermaflex® is a global leader in the flexible duct product industry for commercial and residential heating, ventilation and air conditioning applications. Thermaflex® has met the ever-increasing demand for fresh, consistent indoor air quality with EverClean™, a one-of-a-kind flexible duct. Antimicrobial properties resist and inhibit the growth of mould and mildew while the internal lining provides efficient air delivery preventing leaks and therefore reducing energy costs while providing constant comfort. All EverClean™ components are self-extinguishing and will not deteriorate in a fire until the temperature reaches the melting point of glass. Thermaflex® EverClean™ minimises our global environmental impact and creates a more sustainable world through low-embodied energy, non-toxic materials, and low volatile organic compounds earning it the Greenguard® Certification for Children and Schools.
Smiths Detection: Lightweight Chemical Detector
Chemicals used in warfare and terror attacks are a real threat. Such threats, combined with on-going military activity and increased needs for homeland security measures, have put armed forces and responders at a high risk from chemical exposure. In order to protect frontline defenders and arm them with the versatility to mitigate a wide range of scenarios, Smiths Detection has launched the newest models in its Lightweight Chemical Detector series, the LCD 3.3.
John Crane: solar-powered pumping systems
Natural gas can be extracted with the help of solar power, thanks to a revolutionary pumping system developed by world-leading technology business John Crane. The LVPS (low-volume pumping system) – the first of its kind – can remove water from the wells with zero carbon emissions. Solar panels generate enough electricity to power the pumping system, which pumps water from the underground field using John Crane Production Solutions' lightweight fibreglass sucker rods. This allows the gas to travel to the surface, where it is collected and transported via pipelines. The system consumes less power than a handheld hair dryer.
Smiths Interconnect: Surge Protectors
Transtector, a Smiths Interconnect business, is partnering with turbine manufacturers to help meet global green energy goals. Wind turbines, ranging from 20 to 65 metres in height, act as lightning rods and attract severe surges. Sensing, monitoring and control circuits, all components of wind turbine systems, are extremely sensitive to power surges. Transtector's ac, dc and data line surge protectors help to keep wind towers generating green power through challenging weather.